I don’t post anymore on Facebook, other than to publicize what I write on this blog. But when I go on to do that, it reminds me that I have memories to look at, and I do, and I like them. I think it’s the historian in me (hey, I do have a degree in History, which moves me past the “buff” phase, doesn’t it?). Those memories quite often show me where I’ve been, or what I was thinking about on a particular day. And maybe there’s a value in that. Actually, I think there’s a lot of value in that, as long as I make an effort to use my memories to understand more about myself and where I’ve been. It might actually show me some growth. Or it might show me something that was important to me but now forgotten. Or it might show me…the future? I mean, take a look at this first one, from 18 February 2020 — and remember that COVID was only a rumor at the time:
Let’s face it: there are no pollution masks that you can wear comfortably and with any effectiveness for any longer than about 5 miles on a bicycle.
You need a mask that will:
1) filter pollution
2) wick moisture
3) not fog up your eye wear
4) allow you to hydrate while riding
5) i would throw in, allow you to take in nutrition too, but i’d settle for “can be taken off and put on fairly easily”
I’m gonna puzzle over this one for a while.
Facebook memory, 18 February 2020
Wow. Little did I know at that time that I would be wearing a mask pretty much regularly for the next two years — on a bike and off of it. Now, I wouldn’t say that I’m completely there, but I get it now. If I have to do it, I can. Thing is, I seldom really have to do it. As a matter of fact, riding the bike is one of the refuges from actually having to wear the mask. We know we’re not going to get COVID whipping by someone with 10 feet of clearance at 15-20 mph. But that still doesn’t address my actual concern in the 2020 post — sucking in all that pollution while I’m riding. Thing is, I care a bit less about it these days. I’m still mindful, but I’m also realistic.
But there are other posts that I’ve found interesting too. Like the one below. I wonder what brought it on. I also had to look to see whom I was quoting…and it turns out I was actually being original. And I think I was having a moment of brilliance. I mean, maybe I’m still the only one who gets it, but I get it good.
The proponents of socialism not only underestimate the depravity of human nature in general, they overestimate the righteousness of both their cause and themselves.
Facebook memory, 18 February 2020
This reminds me of other times I’ve had interesting thoughts (if only in my own world). Like when I look back at the portfolio I submitted for my MA. I read some of the papers I wrote (one in particular comes to mind) and I wonder “Who was this guy? This is freakin’ awesome!” Seriously — I don’t remember writing some of that stuff (and no, it wasn’t plagiarism — I assure you I didn’t plagiarize) — but holy crap, it was good stuff.
But again — maybe only because I’m the only one who really gets what I was talking about. I have no way of knowing, really.
And finally, on 19 February 2019, I came across this most excellent joke:
I hoped you liked it.